WEST POINT, N.Y. — Pierce Charleson stopped all 38 shots he faced as Niagara blanked Army 2-0 Saturday evening in Atlantic Hockey America action.
 
How it Happened
Jay Ahearn scored what proved to be the game-winner at 10:19 of the first period, with assists from Nathan Oickle and Trevor Hoskin. Lars Rødne added an empty-net goal with 1:18 remaining in the third period to seal the victory for the Purple Eagles. 
 
Charleson was particularly sharp in the second period when Army outshot Niagara 15-10, and again in the final frame when he turned away all 16 Black Knights shots. The shutout victory helped Niagara improve to 5-4-2 overall and 4-2-1 in conference play.
 
JJ Cataldo made 30 saves for Army (3-6-0, 3-5-0) in the losing effort.
 
The Purple Eagles killed all four Army power plays while Charleson remained perfect, including a crucial penalty kill midway through the third period when Army was pressing for the equalizer.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 21-13-3 all-time against Army.
• Charleson recorded his first shutout as a Purple Eagle and second of his career.
• Charleson is the first Niagara goalie to record a shutout win with 30 or more saves since Brian Wilson recorded 32 saves on March 22, 2019 in a win over RIT during the AHA semi's.
• Hoskin, who recorded an assist on Ahearn's goal, now has 12 points in 11 games this season.
• Ahearn has four career game winners.
• Rødne has six goals in 11 games this season and 20 goals in his career.
 
Up Next
Niagara returns to Monteagle Ridge and Dwyer Arena for a two-game set against Holy Cross on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16. Friday's contest will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. puck drop on Saturday.